The smoky aroma of lamb grilling on skewers is ever-present across the Middle East. Here, the meat is flavored with traditional spices and a minty, sweet-and-hot glaze. Fresh figs and thick slices of eggplant make the perfect accompaniments.

Preparation

Make mint-pepper glaze
In small saucepan over moderate heat, stir together jam, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Bring to boil, then lower heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool 5 minutes. Stir in mint and set aside.

Prepare grill for cooking
If using charcoal grill, open vents on bottom, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 4 to 5 seconds. If using gas grill, preheat burners on high with hood closed 10 minutes, then turn down to moderately high.

Prep eggplant
Arrange eggplant slices on platter. Rub each slice on both sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Grill lamb and eggplant
Arrange skewers and eggplant on grill. Cook eggplant, turning once, until slices are golden and moist, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Cook lamb to slightly less than desired doneness (cubes will continue to cook after being removed from grill), turning once and brushing with glaze during last 30 seconds of grilling on each side, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Arrange eggplant slices on serving platter, top with skewers, and serve.

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Recent Review

Very good. Could not get leg of lamb so i used lamb leg steaks. Worked fine. DON"T OVERCOOK! Also i marinated the lamb and whole figs for several hours before grilling. The sauce was great but i only used 1 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes an it was plenty hot for me.